Obama Administration Making Last Ditch Effort To Ban Most Cell Phone Usage In Vehicles

Groups that lobby for carmakers and technology companies are accusing President Barack Obama’s administration of overreaching in its final days with its proposal to ask phone companies to lock most of their popular applications during driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is proposing a new rule that would ask manufacturers of phones and other electronic devices to voluntarily lock most applications that could distract drivers when cars are in motion. Under the proposal, features like internet browsing and texting would be blocked on phones that are paired to the on-board computer systems of cars.

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MDarringer - 11/28/2016 8:56:54 AM

+1 Boost

The technology already exists to prevent handheld phone usage by drivers without other people in the car being blocked from using their phones normally.

The texting and driving has to stop by any means necessary.

I'm tired of idiots driving unsafely.

Agent009 - 11/28/2016 9:27:41 AM

+1 Boost

I understand the concern, but to issue guidelines last week without input and then try to push them into law now is a bit crazy. But it does sum up the administration's policy of "we don't care if it is legal or not, If you don't like it then sue us"

Also the NHTSA has no authority of theses devices, the FCC does. This is very much like the FDA Determining the occupancy capacity of a restaurant.

There are numerous examples of this sort of disregard for due process over the last 8 years.

MDarringer - 11/28/2016 8:39:27 PM

0 Boost

@Agent009:

I'm a hardcore Republican.

I hate the nanny state.

I hate the imposition of regulation without coherent examination.

But on this issue, I'm with the Socialist-Fascist Obama dictatorship.

I'm sick of people who drive and text. I want them bull whipped.

I'll settle for regulation.

Agent009 - 11/29/2016 9:03:15 AM

+2 Boost

I absolutely agree it needs action.

But IMHO it needs to be part of a process to develop the technology to pinpoint WHERE the phone is in the car and Who is using it and WHAT type of app is being used. (IE: Navigation via bluetooth, or handsfree call)

Right Now they have entered the ring with their eyes closed and are simply swinging their arms.

Plus why is no one even thinking about eating and driving? Many studies show it is rivaling texting and driving as an issue.